Yesterday I was reminded why it is important to change up your exercise routine once in a while. I only had time for a quick 30 min workout (between my sons naps), and was unsure how to maximize my time. My husband Carlos suggested I go to our basement and do a bike-ride on his road bike (Carlos does triathlons and sets his bike up on a wind-trainer over the winter so that he can continue biking). I'm not much of a biker, but decided to take him up on his offer. He challenged me to do 10 km, so off I went. By the third kilometer I didn't know if I'd make it! my neck was not used to holding my head up at that angle, my back was not used to being bent forward, and my quads were not used to pedalling against such resistance! I was sweating to say the least. It took me 25 min to complete the 10km, and boy did I feel like I got a workout! Running my usual 5km would not have left me so tired. Today, I am feeling all the muscles I haven't felt in a LONG time. I feel great. As a naturopathic doctor I always tell patients to get out the rut of their usual exercise routine, but I usually say it so they don't get bored. Today I'm reminded that it's also great for the body to try new things, so it doesn't 'plateau' and stop reaping the benefits of the exercise. Switching up your workout will often give you more bang for the same amount of time you normally put in. Challenge yourself today!
Dr. Anna Falkowski
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
Barrie, ON
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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